There used to be an elderly lady called Hazel who swam early every day at Manly… She told our pioneer B&Bers she was getting her dose of Dr Salt! 110 of us swam across Cabbage Tree Bay today and felt the mental and physical benefits of that wonderful ocean or Dr Salt! It is also the title of the documentary made about our swim group. (See more details at bottom of blog.) A smaller 6.30am group go out below to get some vitamin sea!
Amazing photobomb by a latecomer!
Fast and fearless Fiona comes in from an early lap reporting that the ocean is beautiful, silky, smooth,glassy, warm and clear. Just how we like it!
The 7amers start to arrive and John Kelly and Lesbubbles are pleased to see Winston, the bulldog with his own Facebook page. JK says(with Scouse accent), ” I’m sorry Lesbubbs ee’ dusnt wanta kiss you, ee’ jus prefers dogs…”
Two of these swimmers, me and Dr Cathie, are doing the Coastrek 50 km walk tomorrow in aid of the Fred hollows Foundation. Thank you so much again to those who helped us raise $4000. There is still time to donate!
Time to head off under a cloudy but (good) moody sky…
John and Victoria competed at the Husky Triathlon on Sunday as did many of our swimmers. John came first in his age group. (He’ll tell you how many were in it!) Well done both!
As soon as I put my head in the water a flathead flashes before me, it’s looking clear. I’m excited as usual at what other marine life we’ll see today.
The sun is trying to peek through but not managing so well today.
Time for some underwater fun as we wait at The Point!
We are quite a tidy, compact group at The Point today with the noticeable absence of a few regulars. All we can say is…you missed a great swim, (and you’ll probably regret it.)
Another inspiring swimmer, Alex Prendergast, just returned from WA supporting the Rottnest Island swimmers. He knows about the health benefits of Dr Salt after a battle with the big c 2 years ago…
It’s time to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to swimmers starting off their birthday in the best possible way. Tom pipes up, ‘It’s my birthday today.” It’s his first swim too! happy Birthday to Richard too!
These snorkeller ladies are hoping to see the giant cuttlefish that was around on Sunday…
Just love the diamond fish, always swimming together in a beautiful formation!
And don’t get tired of the yellowtail…
or the old wives and bream.
a bonus coming across a ballerina in the bay 😉
Only four Great Whites in the bay today say JK and Lesbubbs!
and a gorgeous looking shark spotted by me in the rocks quite close to shore.
I thought he was a Port Jackson at first and then a blind shark…
but Stephen said a wobbegong and I think he’s right. We have seen some maroon/grey ones lately.
Team ‘Manly Running Club’ with Joey Bananas, Tezza and Tezza’s Dad!
Apres-swim at The Benches, everyone welcome!
I love cuttlefish!!! I was so excited to see one as we swam out to The Point on Sunday, I barely made it past The Point. This rather large fella kept Heather and I entertained for ages as he swam over weed and changed colour and texture and then over rock and disguised himself yet again! Hope you like the photos! I came across a really entertaining video on youtube too click here
And what about this one of the cuttlefish photobombing a photo of a morwong, groper and luderick?? (The other way round actually but look at his guilty looking eye!)
And a few more of earlier in the week when the water was so clear and we could see so many fishies…Heather below trying to ‘pat’ yellowtail!
We always marvel at the bright blue (male) gropers but look how beautiful the green female is in clear water!
And this one looks browny/orange. See the mados following her?
Bottom of Blog:
2014 Summer Badge Ceremony
If you are in Byron Bay on the 9th March you can see the Bold and Beautiful movie there as well as that is where it will DEBUT!! It’s called Dr Salt and here’s a link to details:
Heart Month
Only a few more days!!! February is Heart Research Month, and we’re raising $1 for every kilometre we swim during the month.
We need to start kicking this along! The swimming is going ok, but a little more for the $$$$ would be great. Here’s the update…
https://redfebrelay.everydayhero.com/au/bold-beautiful-swim-squad-manly
B&B i-Log
Almost 50% of swimmers are now using the B&B i-Log. Log your swim ANYTIME of day using this really efficient and easy way to ensure your swim is recorded in the daily attendance and on the Pacific Challenge. To get started, send an email to Ian Forster (ugoboyo@gmail.com). He will check that your email address is activated on the attendance register then send you info on how to get started.
Bolderdash
This daily swim to Queenscliff and back DEPARTS the surf club at 5.50am. As these are generally intimate groups, please WAIT for everyone in the water before heading off. Do buddy up with someone – great to be with someone who has the same pace – that way everyone is ‘accounted for’ at Queenscliff.
Staying safe
Remember that there are no badges for scaring yourself silly! While it is great to extend your boundaries, it is important to know your limits. Do read these excellent tips on staying safe in the surf. To read, or even download, click here.
The Stats
Regulars: 99 (a guess numbers not in yet!)
Newbie: 4
Temp: 22.3 degrees
Sunrise: 6.40am Sunset 7.36pm
Signing off
Lainey Loo aka Elaine (with Tedley)
21 comments
Lesbubbles
27/02/2014 at 12:47 pm
‘ow the eck did a first timer be so cheeky and brave and have a Bday song for him at Shelly! 🙂
I look like a 10 year old next to Lucy! :-O
Lucy
27/02/2014 at 1:11 pm
“Two of these swimmers are doing an awesome thing for charity tomorrow. The other two just tried to photobomb them…” haha Lesbutt!!
GOOD LUCK GALS!! Will be thinking of you tomorrow. What time do you estimate you will you be passing the Manly surf club tomorrow evening?
john.s
27/02/2014 at 1:12 pm
a prudent blog showing insight in the image used with Winston, Bubbles and JK.
Very pretty lady trying to pat the yellowtails.
Who is she?
Lucy
27/02/2014 at 1:14 pm
JK!! Look at my head poking out behind your butt in the first underwater pic!! Told you I copped an eyeful 🙂
Jill Rankin
27/02/2014 at 1:16 pm
yes i agree GOOD LUCK!! where can go to cheer you on ?? give you some food or drinkie ? let me know would love to support Great pics Lainey
and congrats and welcome to the newbie birthday boy, perfect way to start your birthday
Margot
27/02/2014 at 1:17 pm
Wow, what a nice lot of adjectives for a gorgeous-looking swim! It’s such a tease for us who live so far away. At least there’s the weekend…..can’t wait!
LSA aka HKTQ
27/02/2014 at 1:30 pm
Great fishy pics. That could well be the same shark I saw a few days ago and was having trouble identifying…. looked like a cross-breed!
I remember Hazel well – she used to say (in her 90s) – “Just get up every morning, be nice to those around you, and get in the ocean, if even for a dip!”
Best wishes to tall you Coast-Trekkers tomorrow!
Cathfish
27/02/2014 at 1:45 pm
Again a massive thank you to everyone who has encouraged us, sponsored us, made beautiful cakes for the cake stall, bought and eaten beautiful cakes from the cake stall and generally been very kind to us in preparation for Coastrek Team BnB tomorrow! We will do our best. The weather looks kind with cloud cover and a bit of rain to cool us off.
Lucy – not sure what time we will be around Manly but probably about 4:30pm is my best guess…unlikely to be earlier!!
Again thanks heaps x
Cathfish
27/02/2014 at 1:46 pm
PS Lucy are you OK after that close encounter?!!
Cathfish
27/02/2014 at 1:53 pm
PPS – Elaine – note – it is the 27th, not the 26th. That means tomorrow is the 28th. We are walking tomorrow. Please do not arrive on Saturday morning in Palm Beach and wonder where we all are!!!:)
Little Tiger
27/02/2014 at 2:14 pm
Goodluck Coast-Trekkers, have a wonderful walk and make sure your shoe laces are securely tied.
Beautiful swim today, lovely photos. Well done Elaine.
Mark
27/02/2014 at 2:41 pm
God bless dear old Hazel and her wise words. She wore a fresh frangipani behind her ear almost year round,
Don’t know how she managed that one.
She told me probably a decade ago that she was born very premature and her parents put her in a wooden shoebox on top of the old wood stove for warmth… She wasn’t expected to live… But 90 years later was still ticking, if not a tad bow legged.
RIP
Lesbubbles
27/02/2014 at 3:27 pm
don’t tell him Elaine!!!
Tom
27/02/2014 at 3:49 pm
Thanks B&B for a wonderful start to the day 🙂
Elaine de Jager
27/02/2014 at 4:16 pm
Thanks for the lovely comments and sorry for getting the date wrong. Was in a bit of a rush as going out for lunch for me Mom’s birthday! How lovely of you guys to remember Hazel. Michelle Harris told me about her. We would love any of you to cheer us on around Manly. My number is 0414652793 if you want to check where we are. Thanks again all xx
LSA aka HKTQ
27/02/2014 at 5:17 pm
Very entertaining video on cuttle-fish at your link (below the coffee table pic)!
HeatherH
27/02/2014 at 5:21 pm
Dr Salt, love it!!! Missed my appointment with the Doc today 🙁
Looks beautiful and clear, loving the fun photos at the point!!
I have no idea who the yellow tail lady is John S, but she looks very funny, probably pretty handy with Photoshop too;)
Once again a fantastic blog Lainey loo, those are some stunning photos of the cuddle fish:) (and the sharks!!) Very noice
Good luck to everyone at coast trek tomorrow, I’ll meet up somewhere along the way to give food/drink/support/photos!!! xxx
ed
27/02/2014 at 5:36 pm
Great blog
Always uplifting – a special place
Thanks Elaine
JK
27/02/2014 at 5:42 pm
a perfect match
Lindsay
27/02/2014 at 5:58 pm
Like it!
Good luck tomorrow!
Deb H
27/02/2014 at 10:30 pm
Dear Haze I have lvery fond memories of hazel in the ladies change room when it was matchbox size ! She used to love sitting in there when we all came in and listened to our stories and laughter! Always said having fun and laughing was so important she loved starting her day with a smile on her face! God bless her!!